Peace Community: Michelle Wong

Hi my name is Michelle Wong and this is #MyCanada.

I was born in Jamaica and moved to Canada when I was four years old. I currently reside in downtown Toronto in an apartment which has a beautiful view of the city. Although I sometimes imagine what life would be like if I had never left Jamaica, and lived in warm weather on a Caribbean beach, I still find myself feeling very blessed every day. I am in love with this city Toronto and believe that no matter where you are, you can always practice gratitude; my mantra in life is to expect nothing and appreciate everything. Toronto has been a wonderful city where I can connect with like-minded individuals from a diverse backgrounds, who share my commitment to give back to the community.

"Toronto has been a wonderful city where I can connect with like-minded individuals from a diverse backgrounds."

As a successful business owner at Michidean for over 20 years, I have been fortunate to dedicate my time in event planning and public relations with charitable and community related endeavors. In the last few months I have participated in many events and charities such as working with the Sunshine Swim Team which is dedicated exclusively to individuals with development disabilities, and organizing reach-out programs for childhood development.

I am proud to have helped my parents build a successful Jamaican Patty empire, which has been running since 1979, and I know that I will help carry my family’s legacy for many years to come. In addition to running my business, I am also a Program Coordinator for Trust 15, which is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth in our community. I love children and it makes me happy to contribute to their development and education.

"Helping others and encouraging them to succeed, has given me such a great sense of fulfillment."

I value the need to support small local businesses and creative entrepreneurs. This year I have connected with growing businesses including: Fresh House, Prepshop, Among the Pines, Meet the Moose, Chic Made Consciously and Ave Mariabell Designs. I am most proud to be an ambassador for Ave Mariabell Designs, where I was privileged to help launch our “Project City Love,” fundraising campaign. It always brings me great pleasure to introduce like-minded individuals such as Ave from Ave Mariabell Designs who contributes to community related endeavours. This month Ave Mariabell Designs and Peace Collective have connected to support an Indie Film TO event, which aims to build Mental Health awareness.

I have built a life in Toronto that is dedicated to giving back to the community, and for me this is my true passion. Helping others and encouraging them to succeed, has given me such a great sense of fulfillment. I believe there is always time to make a difference in someone’s life. Chasing your passion not only means seeking to accomplish what you have always dreamed of, but it also means helping as many people as you can along the way.